.:The World We Live In:.

[Kira Hunton]

Lights flickered on and off, eerie shadows cast from inanimate objects. Coloured leaves were scattered on the ground from what little trees there were downtown. Cars passed over small shallow puddles, droplets of water airborne for no more than a second. Passer bys walked along the sidewalk, starring down at the ground. About 87 percent of them held a cigarette between their fingers. So why exactly was it that once more than six sevenths of the population was smoking, more were living to see 92 years of age or more? Why was it that no one looked up when they walked? Did they need to make sure their feet were functioning properly? And why did so many men try to cover up their obvious bald spots with horrifying comb overs?

These thoughts were what had developed in the mind of a young teen that sat in a bench watching said passer byers. She sat slouched in the bench; a sketchbook sitting in her lap with little doodles scattered on the opened page. A drawing of a lamp, a simple baseball cap, a knapsack, and other miscellaneous objects were what dominated the page. The girl wore a simple zip up sweater from who knows where. Under it she had a black plain shirt that fitted her body tightly. The jeans she wore were ripped, not by manufacturers trying to make clothing ‘cool’ but by time and use. Her right foot quavered as it rested on the knee of her left leg. The pencil in her hand tapped the book as she stared in amazement at the people before her, his mind taking her away from the world and reality.

Only minutes ago she had silently made her way out of her house, trying her best not to be seen by the man who called himself her father. She was still pissed at him from the night before and didn’t think she could bear it if her father tried anything this morning. Fortunately for Kira luck was on her side today. She had successfully escaped the pits of hell, if only momentarily.

And so this was where Kira had found herself. Sitting at a bench somewhere downtown, watching random strangers walk by. A lady wearing tight jeans and a bright yellow top that clearly did not cover her midriff was rummaging through her overly large pink purse muttering to herself, glancing down at her watch and looking around her in a paranoid fashion. Without taking her eyes of the woman, Kira began to draw a small cartoon portrait of her. A jeweled knife was being pulled out of her purse, as at the same time she took out a gun that had been concealed in one of her thigh boots. She had made her overly fake black hair into a ponytail and her eyes had a cold look. She looked down as she continued to sketch her cartoon; detailing it and making herself smile. Her first suspect at being a serial killer/spy today.

She ran a hand through her blonde hair as she looked down at her handy work. Oh she was definitely going into her “Secret Life” folder. Kira turned the page to a blank one as she absently stared at an electricity pole. It was amazing how easily distracted she was. Kira turned away and watched as a large hairy dog pulled its owner along. She took a deep breath of polluted air, glad to be outside, glad to be away from that house and that man.


It seemed like all life seemed able to dish out was pain and sadness. No matter where she went, all she saw was how life had taken its toll on others. Wars, suicides, shootings, rapes, it was everywhere. It seemed that no matter how much effort one put into making the world better, it never worked. Anything you did was just one measly little drop of water in a large silver bucket. It never seemed to get full. No matter how many droplets were put in. Perhaps, Kira thought, it was simply because there was a hole in the bucket. Just like everything else. Just like her. She knew what it was like to feel as if you weren’t complete. To have the only person you’ve ever loved ripped away from you. The person that had always been there suddenly gone. It was amazing how easily and suddenly death came. To those you least expect it to come to. Yet it always did.

Well it didn’t matter anymore. Looking down at her book, Kira’s hand began moving over the smoky white paper. The soft lead of his pencil barely lifting from the surface. Two eyes looked back at Kira from the paper. A nose joined them soon after. A pair of lips was smoothly added to the visage. Hair and shading, more detail. Kira lifted her eyes from her little creation to see a few pigeons fly overhead. The sun was bright today, she could feel it’s warmth on her face, but the air was chilly. It was odd weather, but she was used to it.

Reaching into her pocket, Kira withdrew a rectangular purple box. Colourful little candy balls rolled into her palm. She plucked a red one up and popped it into her mouth, tasting the cherry flavour. Oh how she loved candy. It was her one weakness.

The day really did seem promising though. Maybe things would go smoothly. Was that even possible? Things never stayed happy-go-lucky for too long. Things always came crashing down eventually. What goes up must come down, she thought. Guess, we’ll just have to see what today throws at us. After all, wasn’t that what life was all about? Not knowing what was to come, expecting the unexpected.

She let the smooth ball melt in her mouth as she stared absently at a parking meter a few feet away from her. A honking startled her, causing her to jump and yelp slightly at the sudden noise. Her hand rushed to her chest as her heart slowly began to calm again.

[Viggo Slaughter]

<sup>Saturday’s were the worst day of the week, as were Sunday’s. But Saturday’s were worse. Why? Because today was Saturday.. AND… Because he knew that everybody in the whole school had something exciting to do and he just got to go home. What was home anyways? It wasn’t a cozy chair by a fireplace in some mansion, or a small bungalow. Heck, it wasn’t even a trailer house. No. His home was the orphanage. Could he even consider it a home though? It wasn’t really. It was more or less just a place for infants and children to go when they have no one to take care of them. They stay there until they have a home. How unfortunate he was though, for he was never given the opportunity to have a home, or a family. All he has is his name, and an admirable guitar.

He walked slowly down the street, his guitar, safely inside a black case, clung to his back by a strap across his chest. His head was held upwards, not watching the sad world around him, but the brilliant one above. The sun shone so brilliantly that he wished he were an artist. An artist with an easel standing next to him as he painted a beautiful scene of the sky. But he was nowhere near being artistic. Not drawing and such anyways.

His robins egg eyes came back to eye level. He was exhausted. If only there were a bench somewhere he could sit. He scanned the area for one and found one he did. But unfortunately somebody had beaten him to it. He didn’t intend at all to go up and sit beside the girl. He would probably give her a good scare if he did, and he didn’t wish to scare people so early in the morning.

Hold on a second…Is that another one? Sweeeeeet! he quickened his pace and soon made it to the bench that was a meter or so away from the ‘girls bench’. He sat himself down on the further side of the bench, laying his guitar out beside him. He looked over at the girl and smiled a friendly, bashful smile before turning away to stare into nothingness as he relaxed his tired body</sup>

[/sup]

[Kira Hunton]

Loud sudden noises weren’t some of Kira’s favorite things in the world. Actually, she hated them. Especially when they ruined her quiet time. Like they had now. She looked at her purple candy box and moodily picked out another small ball, popping it into her mouth. The flavor began to melt onto her tongue and a smile tugged at her lips. Looking down at a once again empty page, Kira took a hold of her pencil and began sketching a quick drawing of the scene in front of her. No one was walking by anymore, so she had a perfect unobstructed view. Well, that is, she did until someone decided to walk right through. How rude of them. Then again, the guy really didn’t know she was busy in her creative mind or that he had just burst that wave of creativity. Ah, well, maybe she would make a sign that she could put up. ‘Do Not Walk Near The Premises. Creative Mind Flowing.’ Yes, that might work. Or some stupid idiot would rip it off and act stupid. Yeah, that would probably be what would happen.

With a quiet sigh, she turned her page to a fresh one and looked around. The guy that was walking by had glanced at her briefly before looking away and heading for the vacant bench beside hers. Hmph, well good for him, she though twirling her pencil. She’d rather sit alone anyway. She didn’t need some annoying person trying to start up some sort of conversation with her.

Her eyes scanned the park, looking for something, anything that was remotely interesting. A challenge maybe. After about the third time her eyes passed over the boy, she sighed in defeat and adjusted her position. He had now sat down on the bench staring absently at who knows what and had smiled at her. Wait, smiled at her? It was an awkward sort of smile, shy and reserved, almost like he had been second guessing himself or something. She returned the smile and then looked down at her book. Looking back up though, the by had turned to stare at nothing. A wry smile played on her lips as she touched the pencil to her white paper. Perfect.

She was now sitting cross legged on the bench, her body angled slightly, to where the boy sat. Her eyes remained focus on him, not daring to miss any details. The shape of his face, the way his hair was styled, the way his clothes was bunched up or ruffled in places. Hopefully, he wouldn’t look over and see her staring at him like that. And hopefully he wouldn’t be too freaked out that she was drawing him.

[Viggo Slaughter]

<sup>Slowly his eyes refocused and were no longer staring off into the nothingness they once had. But they curiously watched the life around him. Though his body remained motionless his eyes darted around, taking in everything.

It wasn't at all much to look at. Except for the sky, the beautiful scene it showed the world. The world that would soon destroy it. He sighed, giving his head a slow shake before turning to open up the guitar case. Holding it in his arms he slowly began to strum.


"An old man gave me a tip he said
Don't waste your time with politics he said
Just chase skirts instead
Life is too short, and you're almost dead he said
I met a woman once, I gave her my best shot
But never did I talk and talk and talk
If I had her back, I'd be as real as my age
I so don't blame them, I wouldn't do the same
But I can blame them, I'd sing her this

And you want to be dressed in poetry
But imagery doesn't fit
And you want resizing
But darling dear get a grip

And I think what I just wrote is going over my head
I'm stealing lines from myself
And what I said was never said
It's just a lyrical lie
Made up in my mind

And you want to be dressed in poetry"


From just outside the corner of his eye he caught sight of the girl on the bench. Oh crap. He completely forgotten she was there, and he'd just sung...and played his guitar...in a public place. Oh dear, oh no.
But hold on a second, what was she doing? His head turned to look at her. She sat cross legged on the bench, her entire body angled to face him, and she held a book and pencil in her hand. That was definitely odd.

"Uh, what're you doing?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, though his face was red from his public-one-man-band playing he just showed.</sup>

[/sup]

[Kira Hunton]

"An old man gave me a tip he said
Don't waste your time with politics he said
Just chase skirts instead
Life is too short, and you're almost dead he said
I met a woman once, I gave her my best shot
But never did I talk and talk and talk
If I had her back, I'd be as real as my age
I so don't blame them, I wouldn't do the same
But I can blame them, I'd sing her this

And you want to be dressed in poetry
But imagery doesn't fit
And you want resizing
But darling dear get a grip

And I think what I just wrote is going over my head
I'm stealing lines from myself
And what I said was never said
It's just a lyrical lie
Made up in my mind

And you want to be dressed in poetry"

The words rang through the empty park, the chords making their final sounds. It was...an incredible experience, to say the least. To be present as someone sung their heart out, truthfully, without remorse, embarrassment or nervousness. It was almost like seeing someone naked. To see them down to the most simplest state. In a way though, Kira felt like she was intruding upon such a show. It was obvious that the song wasn’t meant for others to hear, but for himself. Yes, she was there, but it was obvious he hadn’t paid attention or maybe even forgotten that there was a girl sitting adjacent to him. Not that it was his fault, she was a very quiet and reserved person, well most of the time.

Still, the openness that she was able to see, she felt lucky. Knowing that she had very little time to capture the moment she began moving the lead over paper, keeping her eyes trained on the boy. It would have to be a quick sketch, unfortunately, but maybe later when she was alone she could fix it up and give it more detail. Either wy, the nature of the drawing itself was there, and that was what she was after.

Kira was just getting into, the whole thing nearly finished, now only a bit of the cloths and minor shading to be done, when out of the blue her unknowing subject moved. Her inner voices seemed to scream in protest devastated that the work was over. Well, at least what she had was good.

Just drawing you, came her thoughts, a small smile playing on her lips. How funny it was that she was creating words for this boy. Making up her own conversation in her head. Hah! Oh how the imagination ran wild. Looking down at her paper, Kira found herself soon frozen on the spot. The music had stopped, the voice no longer singing. With much reluctance she lifted her head, a few stay blond strands of hair falling in front of her face. Eyes met a set of another, curious, wondering, along with a red face.

Quickly, a hand shot up, brushing away the hair. Ok, so maybe that had actually been him talking. Great. It did look like he was waiting for an answer, And she was taking her sweet time answering. Not on purpose though! She didn’t actually he had bee talking to hr originally, but then again, she was sitting cross-legged on a bench starring intently at some guy and drawing in her sketchbook. Hmm, now how to put her actions into words that wouldn’t sound completely lame or pathetic.

“I-I, umm, well, I was...drawing?” She said unsure of herself at this point. There was a bit of a pause before she continued. “You?” She said again this time referring to the thing it was she was drawing, which of course was Mr. Noname. Ok. That wasn’t too bad. Then again, once the words sank in he would probably leave, which in all truth wouldn’t be so bad, seeing a Kira’s fac was now flushed from embarrassment. Oh ho the body betrays one.

[Viggo Slaughter]

<sup>Viggo stared at her, waiting answer. She didn’t even look up to begin with. She just sat there, minding her own business. Ignoring him perhaps. He’d ignore himself too if he were somebody seeing him playing a guitar on a bench. He was such a horrible singer.

Or had she not heard him? He might not have spoken loud enough. Maybe he should ask again.
Just when he opened his mouth her hand swiftly brushed her hair from her face and she spoke.

“I-I, umm, well, I was...drawing?” She said unsure of herself at this point. There was a bit of a pause before she continued. “You?” She said referring to Viggo and he felt his face redden all the more. She….was…drawing…him. But why? Who would want to do that?

He looked away from her, resuming the position he had been in before he turned his head. “Oh,” his voice was low and a bit shocked, “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have moved then.” He frowned slightly, concentrating his eyes on a small block on a building. It was a different colour then all the rest. The surrounding blocks were all red, while this one was closer to being black. Or wait was that a mailbox? No, it was definitely a brick.

Some strands of black hair fell over his face, and he was quite thankful for it because it just so happened to hide his red face. What an awkward day. He shouldn’t have even sat down on the bench. What a terrible idea that was. He sighed inwardly. Every day should be faced with some kind of adventure. But this wasn’t what he would’ve thought to be a life experience. This was more of a ‘Viggo, I told you not to sit on a bench when you’re tired. You gotta keep going. Who knows what crazy things you’ll do…or what others may do. Who knows, some random girl might sit on a bench next to you and decide to draw you’ kind of experience.

His had jerked back towards the girl, “Are you seriously drawing me?” he inquired, standing and walking towards her, “Can I see it? I don’t believe you….” He leaned in to have a look at her sketch book.</sup>

[/sup]

[Kira Hunton]

As the blood rushed up to the boy’s cheeks, as did Kira’s own. Way to go my girl. It seemed she always found herself in these awkward situations. Here they were, awkwardly standing both blushing furiously. Both for their own reasons of course, but their reasons linked together in the end. And finally he looked away, lessening the awkward silence and stillness of the whole scene. Her hand had long ago stopped its drawing, stopped its forms of precious curves and lines.

“Oh,” his voice was low and a bit shocked, “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have moved then.”

“No!” She said much too quickly. This immediately earned her a swift mental slap. That was her outside voice. That wasn’t supposed to come out. Not that loudly anyway. Why was she saying ‘no’ anyway? Her answer didn’t even fit with what he had said. Well, perhaps in a way it did. Oh good Lord she felt horrible. She had made him feel guilty and she didn’t even know him!

“No, its okay,” she said her voice back at it’s normal speech level. “It’s not your fault,” her eyes had progressively drifted down to her wringing hands. The drawing glaring up at her from where it sat. The way Kira saw it, there really was no way out of this mess. Unless one of them stood up and walked away. It wouldn’t be her, of course, because that would be rude and she would feel worse about the whole thing. Maybe she could apologize for using this boy as her model without his permission? But, it wasn’t like he was nude, he had just been singing his heart out is all…

“Are you seriously drawing me?”

The words caused her to snap her head up, not really expecting the boy to actually confront the actually problem at hand. This didn’t her as much, as much as what he said and did next however. In one instant he was standing a good meter away and then suddenly his words were much too close, along with his body. Immediately she felt her body tense, her bubble being invading by one not familiar to it. All defenses began to shoot up, the grip on her pencil tightening, just in case. It could do quite some damage if she tried hard enough. In the back of her mind Kira tried to recall the few defenses she’d learned about protecting herself. Unfortunately none came to mind and panic started to fill her.

“Can I see it? I don’t believe you….”

The boy leaned closer yet, and all worries about being attacked or kidnapped left as a new fear entered her. He wanted to see it. “No!” she cried pleadingly, standing up much too suddenly. She fumbled with the sketchbook, but failed to catch it in time from falling onto the ground. Loose pages flitted from their home, settling not far from the book. Once again her cheeks flushed furiously. Kira dropped to her knees, pulling back stray strands of blonde hair as she started to pick things up. “I-I’m sorry. I-,” and then she saw it. The book was sitting open at the page she had been on, the picture of the boy in the open now. Great. Could her face get any more red? And to top it all off this guy was actually good looking. He was incredibly cute and here she was making a fool of herself. Looking like a blubbering idiot.

[Viggo Slaughter]

“No!” She said in an urgent way. It was so urgent that he half jumped. He turned to look at her, an eyebrow raised slightly.

“No, its okay,” she said her voice back at a normal tone, “It’s not your fault,” her eyes had progressively drifted down to her wringing hands.

Her head snapped up as he came towards her to see the drawing. “No!” she cried pleadingly, standing up. She fumbled with the sketchbook, but failed to catch it in time from falling onto the ground. Loose pages flitted from their home, settling not far from the book. He watched her with an apologetic expression as her face went red. She dropped to her knees, pulling back stray strands of blonde hair as she started to pick things up. “I-I’m sorry. I-,” she stuttered.

He ran both his hands through his hair, "Gah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to...I was just...and...sorry. I'm so stupid...here-" he kneeled down on the ground beside her, picking up the sheets of paper that had flown from her book. Stacking them all on top of each other he set them on top of the drawing she'd been just recently working on. He didn't dare look at the picture. He might get yelled at again. That would be horrible.

He stood up, "I'm so sorry." he held out his hand to help her up, "I should've known...m-most artist don't like to show their unfinished work, heck some don't even dare show their work. But I'm sure it was a good drawing anyways." He looked off down the street, distracted by an idiot who had decided to rip around the corner, making the vehicle squeal. He frowned and shook his head.

[Kira Hunton]

In her haste, Kira managed to not only drop the pages, but she also managed to crumple a good handful of them. Not that she really cared at the moment. Right now all she was interested in was disappearing. Dear Lord she was making a fool of herself! This guy would probably be laughing for the rest of the day. He’d probably go and tell all his friends about the geeky girl in the park. Or maybe he’d just forget and completely toss aside this entire experience. Besides, she wasn’t very memorable.

"Gah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to...I was just...and...sorry. I'm so stupid...here-"

Kira flinched slightly as he bent own beside her to help collect the papers. She kept her eyes downcast as she put the final sheet on the top. It was her own fault really. If she weren’t so mess and didn’t rip drawings from her book or draw them on loose leafs of paper, this would have never happened! Well not entirely anyway.

"I'm so sorry." he held out his hand to help her up. Kira felt her breath catch as she took his hand. She was touching his hand! And he was touching her hand! Ok now Kira, remember to breathe. As she let go of his hand, she could still feel a slight tingling in her own. It had felt odd. Not like when you hold a child’s hand, but different. It had been warm and supportive, though it had been just as cautious as her own hand had been. Her blush had now successfully gone down a full level, and she was beginning to feel the hotness leave her face and body, which was only moments before burning.

"I should've known...m-most artist don't like to show their unfinished work, heck some don't even dare show their work. But I'm sure it was a good drawing anyways."At this she couldn’t help but smile. He seemed to be just as nervous and eager to just put this all behind them. He seemed really shy, not much of a talker. His head turned at that point, allowing Kira to take a closer more calculated look at him. He was shorter than she was, which was odd, since she was pretty short herself. Maybe he just hadn’t hit his growth spurt yet. That meant he had to be younger than she was. Maybe. Was he in her grade? She’d never seen him before....or had she? She really didn’t pay much attention to the kids at school. Especially not those in her class. She tried to be more quiet in class, rather than engage in conversations and listen to other people’s conversations.

Her head quickly turned away from the boy when whatever it was that had interested him was gone. So, stuck in another social moment. Gosh she was socially awkward. Ah, maybe replying to what he said would be a good idea. If she didn’t he might find that rude and get upset with her.

“I don’t usually show my work, no. My dad occasionally will, but that’s it. But I’m no artist,” she said quickly. “And it wasn’t that great at all. Not the best I’ve done anyway,” she said pulling the sketch she’d done of him and holding it out. See, this arm here is awkward. Mainly because I’ve never really drawn a guitar before. I don’t think the guitar itself came out too bad. Could have been better. Next time I’ll get it right,” she said pointing out just what she was meaning as she talked to him. Her index finger still on the guitar, she seemed to realize what she was going. She had pulled out her work and showed it to him. Quickly she took it back and gave him a nervous chuckle.

“Haha.....yeah...so....I should um...” should what? Mentally smacking herself, Kira stood awkwardly her finger tapping nervously on her book in her arms.

[Viggo Slaughter]

“I don’t usually show my work, no. My dad occasionally will, but that’s it. But I’m no artist,” she said quickly. “And it wasn’t that great at all. Not the best I’ve done anyway,” she said pulling the sketch she’d done of him and holding it out. He cautiously peered down at the picture, afraid that maybe she was trying to trick him. She could be luring him into a trap. She would scream something awful and then run down the street shouting about how he tried to molest her. But really he'd only wanted to see the picture that she was drawing of him. Or maybe it was an evil plan thought up from the start.
He looked from the drawing, then over to the girl. So innocent she seemed. There was no way someone so soft spoken could do such a thing. He was overthinking the matter. This was getting ridiculous.

"See, this arm here is awkward. Mainly because I’ve never really drawn a guitar before. I don’t think the guitar itself came out too bad. Could have been better. Next time I’ll get it right,” she said pointing out just what she was meaning as she talked to him. Her index finger still on the guitar, her eyes showed an expression of dread. It was probably the same look he had given when he realized that someone had listened to him sing and play his guitar. A mental image of himself hitting his head repeatedly appeared at the mere thought of his stupidity and a small blush flooded his cheeks. Luckily the girl was distracted in putting away her picture.

Viggo walked back over to the bench, where he'd left his guitar lying. He put it back into it's case and swung it over his shoulder. He stood in front of the bench now, staring awkwardly across the street. Then his eyes flickered up wards then back to the girl.
"It looks like it's going to rain soon," he stated, "You should go somewhere to stay dry." Viggo turned and began walking away. There was no need for any more embarrassment today.

[Kira Hunton]

"It looks like it's going to rain soon," the boy stated, "You should go somewhere to stay dry."

Eh? What was he talking about now? Looking up, Kira saw what he meant. Gray billowing clouds were not so slowly rolling in their direction. Perfect. Just what she needed. Rain. She held her book closer to her chest as if that would protect her pages from the inevitable. Her eyes glanced up at te sky, and then in the direction her home, and then back again. They would briefly pass the boy, but he wasn’t a part of her concerns at the moment. Oh no, she was much too busy fretting on how she would get home in time to save her pages. There really didn’t seem to be an answer to her problems. Her fingers began tapping more insistently against te book as she worked her mind to come u p with something! Anything!

Bus! Yes bus! She could just take a bus! It was so simple it hurt. But…she’d never taken a bus before. She’s never had to use public transportation. Walking had always suited her much better. And that way she wasn’t subjected to awkward silences with random socially awkward people like herself. And now…where was te closest bus stop? Her eyes scanned the road looking for….something. A pole with a bus sign on it perhaps? With time intervals on it? How could she have lived her life here and not know what the bus stops looked like? Sure, the blonde had seen buses go by. Many times, with their advertisements, but had she actually seen bus stops? At this she had to think hard. Yes…she had seen one once, but…she really never paid all that much attention to such trivial things before! Kura ran her hand through her long hair, frustrated now.

Wait! Another idea seemed to pop in her mind as she turned eyes frantically searching for someone. Ah, there he was. Not far at all. He seemed to be headed home. Well, of course he was. He was the one who suggested it because of the stupid storm that was coming to ruin her work! Ugh, she should have just stayed at home today. Just like that guy from the Magic School Bus. Oh what was his name…Arnold! Yes that was it. She was in the same predicament Arnold was. She should have stayed home, just like Arnold should have. But, she hadn’t. And she had to get home, or find some shelter before her work became a hosen down wreck.

“Ummm,” Darn it she didn’t know his name. What was she supposed to call him? ‘You’? ‘Hey, you’?

“Wait! Please?” She called jogging slightly to catch up to him. “You-you wouldn’t know where the nearest bus stop was would you? Or which one I would have to take to get me Uptown?” She asked praying that he could answer her. But, if worse came to worse she could just go over to a random little shop and wait out the rain there. Or even go to the subway. But she’d never used the subway either…oh goodness this was turning out to be a horrible day.

[Viggo Slaughter]

<sup>With both hands dug into his pockets he walked along the sidewalk. His apartment wasn’t far from here. It would probably only take him ten or so minutes to get there. His eyes trailed up to the greying sky. He’d make it before it started raining, that was a promise. If he didn’t well...he’d be wet. Very very very wet. Which would suck.
Ahead of him on the sidewalk were a young couple with a small child of about three or four. They all looked happy together, holding one another’s hand, chatting away as they went. Viggo sighed, wondering why his parents had left him. He’d never even known them. They must’ve had good reason to leave him. They were probably going through tough times. But he still found it fun to try and imagine what they looked like and how they would respond to different things he could do or say.

He neared the corner of the street and he was about to cross when he heard a faint voice, slowly it grew nearer. He looked to his left to see it was that blonde girl with the drawings.
“Wait! Please?” She called jogging slightly to catch up to him. “You-you wouldn’t know where the nearest bus stop was would you? Or which one I would have to take to get me Uptown?” She asked.
He smiled slightly shaking his head, she was from the upper town. What was she doing way down here? It was a pretty far walk, which she clearly did for she knew not where the bus stop was.
“Yeah, but it left five minutes ago.” He said pointing to the sign on the corner they were standing on, “There won’t be another one for a good half hour.” He frowned looking down at her, “You’re from the upper part of town, then? That sucks. It’s a friggin’ long walk.” He looked back up at the sky, now he had only seven minutes to get there. He might not make it. The clouds were coming in much faster.
The street was clear from cars for the time being. If he was going to cross it was now or never. But the rain in Faer Lake was always unbearably strong. You’d be crazy to go for a walk when it was raining. He looked back down at the blonde, “You can always wait out the rain at my house..er apartment. I can get Julio to give you a ride home if he’s there too. I just live with my brother and sister.” He said, “Well...they aren’t really my brother and sister...they’re just some friends..I grew up with...And..we live together..because...” his voice trailed off as he looked back up at the sky. His face was flushed with embarrassment. Rambling on seemed to always be a habit of his, he should just stay quiet. He was much better off not talking. He usually ended up telling too much or saying stuff that didn’t need to be said whenever he opened his mouth. Why was he even offering this girl a shelter? He didn’t know her. What the heck was going on. Geehhh...
His blue eyes scanned down the road. The frozen white man was telling them to walk now. Right NOW! It was now or never!! NOW..Or NEVER! Cross the road...or get wet. He ruffled his jet black hair in confusion before looking back at the girl, “ I mean..you don’t have to. It was just..an offer you know,” He shrugged looking away, “I Have to cross now though. These signs usually take forever.” He said pointing to the walking sign.</sup>

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[Kira Hunton]

“Yeah, but it left five minutes ago.”

It was like the Earth shattered right there and then. Those words seemed to repeat themselves in her head. Like they would in a movie. Echoing and simply driving her crazy. It left five minutes ago. How was she supposed to get home now, without getting soaked? Her dad would throw a fit that was for sure. And her drawings would just…well, she may as well toss them away now. She gave an inward sigh looking up at the sky. Curses. Maybe she was being a little over dramatic, but still. It was horrible. What an awful day. The words that came from the boy were nearly lost in her thoughts, but she managed to catch them.

“There won’t be another one for a good half hour.”

Oh joy. More good news. It was like someone was out to get her today. What had she done to deserve this? Karma really wasn’t on her side today. Well no matter. She would just have to think of something. There was a solution to all problems, right? She just needed to come up with one. Soon. And fast. She could buy an umbrella! Yes, that would work. But…she had no money with her. There went that solution. She could steal an umbrella. That….would…never work.

“You’re from the upper part of town, then? That sucks. It’s a friggin’ long walk.”

She nodded absently to the boy, still trying to come up with a brilliant idea. “Yes it’s a long walk, but a nice one. When there isn’t rain,” she said sadly. She really was in a pickle. Maybe she could hitch hike home? No, better not, too many creepy people.

“You can always wait out the rain at my house..er apartment. I can get Julio to give you a ride home if he’s there too. I just live with my brother and sister.” He said, “Well...they aren’t really my brother and sister...they’re just some friends..I grew up with...And..we live together..because...”

Kira Blinked a couple times as she stood perplexed looking at the boy. The boy, which she realized, had no name to her. And he was offering his home to her. He was…a complete stranger. What if his intentions were bad? And he was a bad person? But…he didn’t seem like one. No, he definitely wasn’t. She could tell that from the moment she saw him. Still…go to his place?

“I mean..you don’t have to. It was just..an offer you know,” He shrugged looking away, “I Have to cross now though. These signs usually take forever.” He said pointing to the walking sign.

How was she supposed to decide? She never did well under pressure. Now she had to decide between walking home in the rain which would take quite some time and make her miserable, or go home with this guy, be dry, and be in a place she’d never been in before. And who was this Julio? What if he was a psychopath?

“I-I,” she began not really knowing what he answer was yet. “Ok. Yes. Thank you. That would be great,” she said quickly. Hopefully she wouldn’t regret the decision later. Kira followed the boy to the crosswalk, where the man stood across from them brightly. Looking up at the boy, she still didn’t know his name. She tried to come up with one that would fit his face, but none really seemed to fit. Charles? No. Robert, maybe?

“I’m sorry, but, if you don’t mind my asking, but, what-what is your name? You don’t have to tell me of course. I can just call you…boy, or just plain you,” she said not looking at him. Funny how they started awkwardly and here they still were, awkward. There seemed no way to avoid it. “Oh, my name is Kira. Just…so you know, not that you may have wanted to know or anything….I just thought…umm...yeah.”

[Viggo Slaughter]

“Yes it’s a long walk, but a nice one. When there isn’t rain,” she said sadly. And he nodded to himself. It was true. Faer Lake was such a beautiful little island and it was a great place to walk, of course walking opportunities were scarce.



“I-I,” He heard her voice faintly say, “Ok. Yes. Thank you. That would be great,” His emotions sank and he nearly stopped walking, but kept going for he was in the middle of the street. She had actually agreed to his idea? What was this about. Was she crazy? Who went to some strangers house just to stay dry? He would've walked home, rain and all. Then again...he did have his guitar with him and the case it was in wouldn't keep it very dry at all. It would get ruined in the rain. Maybe that's what she was thinking. Her drawings... Or maybe it was an extremely long walk from here. But if it were such a long walk what the hell was she doing all the way out here? His mind was spinning, trying to come up with a reasonable answer.



“I’m sorry," her quiet voice interrupted his train of thought, "But, if you don’t mind my asking, but, what-what is your name? You don’t have to tell me of course. I can just call you…boy, or just plain you,” He mentally grimaced. He didn't much like the idea of him being referred to as boy or you. He had a name and it was nice if people used it. It was perfectly understandable, though, if someone didn't know his name they could just use whatever word first popped into their head.

“Oh, my name is Kira. Just…so you know, not that you may have wanted to know or anything….I just thought…umm...yeah.” she said, trailing off. He smiled. She was so cute, just like a child. Quiet, shy and completely unsure of herself.
"Well, hi Kira," he said holding out his hand, "I'm Viggo." he smiled in a friendly manor, "That's a nice name. I've never heard anybody called Kira before."

They had made their way to the other side of the street and were already at the apartment. Boy does time fly when you're having fun. He joked to himself. It hadn't even been a long walk. Maybe a block.

He brought out a card and swiped it through a box that was on the wall. Everybody who lived here owned a card like his. It was like their key to get into their home...except..a card.

The door buzzed and he reached over to open it. "After you." he said to Kira, holding the door.

Something cool and wet dropped on his hand. He looked at it for a moment before drawing his eyes to the sky.

Another drop.

And another.

Then it was like somebody had just turned on their shower. Rain began coming down in heavy waves. Making vision quite difficult.

[Kira Hunton]

"Well, hi Kira," he said holding out his hand, "I'm Viggo." he smiled in a friendly manor



Wow. He had a really nice smile. It was so perfect; So simple and lovely. It brought a small shy smile to her lips. Of course, she realized then that she’d been staring at him for some time now. Oh god. He probably thinks I’m some creepy crazy girl.



"That's a nice name. I've never heard anybody called Kira before."



What. Why couldn’t he have just stopped at, ‘I’m Viggo’? Kira immediately felt her cheeks get warm; Again. God what was with her? She was just blushing left right and center. She really needed to get the whole getting embarrassed thing to a minimum. I mean, this was just ridiculous.



“Th-thanks. L-Likewise,” she said speaking to the ground. She couldn’t even face him! And she was stuttering. Damn you, stuttering problem! It was like a disease you couldn’t get rid of.



Just stay calm; Deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. In. In. Out. In. In. In. In. In. In. Oh god, there should have been out there. She felt herself caught as her chest constricted from breathing in one too many times in a row. Oh great. Now she was choking on air and spit. Man, was she a loser.



And then they were there; Like magic. Wow. That was...fast. The building towered over them, gloomy and foreboding. That’s when the whole reality o the situation hit her. She was going to some guy’s apartment; Just the two of them; Alone. What the hell. Where was her reasoning when this was decided? Did it just fly out the window? Hello conscience? Where were you? Mr. Cricket?



"After you." Came a voice, holding a door open. Oh dear Lord. She was actually going to go in. Kira gave a Viggo an awkward smile before stepping into the building. As soon as she stepped in, it was like the entire world outside was soaked. She turned quite quickly in time to see poor Viggo feel the wrath of the rain. Before her thoughts could be processed properly, Kira felt herself drop her book and reach out for the boy who was still standing holding the door, and pulling him into the dry building.



Of course, due to the way Kira was angled and how Viggo had been standing holding the door open, the outcome was inevitable. They landed in an awkward heap on the ground with a loud ‘Oof’ coming from Kira as Viggo landed on her. Well, so much for being dry, she thought with an inwards sigh. At least her sketchbook was safe…wait; Rewind. Turn back. She blinked a couple times realizing that a) Viggo was on top of her and b) Viggo was wet. Once again her face steamed scarlet.

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